Why Alexandria, Virginia Is the Best Place to Visit This Year

Disneyland might just be the Happiest Place on Earth, but it lost out on the title of "Best Place to Go" this year to a lesser-known locale: .

The city located just outside of ranked highest in magazine's survey on the ultimate travel destinations for 2018. The publication considered "more than 32,000 data points in total from dozens of sources" in selecting its picks. The rankings weighed factors like cost, customer satisfaction, and trends, with all signs pointing to Alexandria as the top place for a domestic vacation.

While this time-honored city may not include a Splash Mountain or Jungle Cruise, its quaint character will win you over in a heartbeat. Here's why it belongs on your bucket list this year:

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

It's home to a renowned art center.

Getty Images

Like the name suggests, the once produced naval munitions. Since the '80s, it's instead housed more than 80 artist studios, showcasing painting, ceramics, photography, jewelry, stained glass, printmaking, and sculpture.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

And a legendary music hall.

Getty Images

Dave Matthews, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Emmylou Harris, and Vince Gill have all performed at the . The venue hosts live shows almost every single night.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

It's a stone's throw from Mount Vernon.

Getty Images

sits just a few miles outside of the city limits. The mansion and expansive grounds appear just as they did over 200 years ago.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

And Washington D.C.

Getty Images

Stay in Alexandria and you'll pay almost half of what you would in the nation's capital, according to . You're only a quick Metro ride away from all of the museums and history D.C. has to offer.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

You can see the iconic memorial from almost anywhere.

Getty Images

This distinctive tower is the , a national landmark fashioned after the Lighthouse of Alexandria in ancient Egypt.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Plus, there are some gorgeous river views.

Getty Images

Alexandria is located on the Potomac River, with boat cruises, waterfront dining, and scenic bike paths all awaiting visitors.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

But the real star is Old Town.

Getty Images

This historic neighborhood in downtown Alexandria is the definition of quaint. 's must: a trip to during happy hour on a Friday night.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

The houses belong on your Instagram.

Getty Images

Have you ever seen anything so charming?

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Brick sidewalks line the cobblestone streets.

Getty Images

According to , the cobblestones on the Captain's Row arrived from England in ships as ballast. Historias suspect they actually came from the Potomac, but the effect is just as quaint.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Everyone flies American flags.

Getty Images

If you couldn't tell they're very into American history here.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

There's tons of shopping.

Getty Images

Over 200 restaurants and boutiques fill the neighborhood, with many located on the famous King Street. Specialty museums like the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum also belong on the itinerary.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Christ Church is another time capsule.

Getty Images

The historic house of worship is one of few existing in the area, and the sanctuary still has a pew where George Washington sat.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Even the City Hall is picturesque.

Getty Images

It's located on Market Square, the site of a weekly farmers market, the annual holiday tree lighting, and other activities throughout the year.

A Part of Hearst Digital Media
CQ participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites.